"Black people don't camp."  It's almost comedic how many times I heard that statement said to my face. I'm Black, and having camped for years, It's sad how prevalent this stereotype is.

My love for camping bloomed during my teenage years, thanks to a school program that introduced me to the beauty of nature. However, I understand entirely the hesitations some may have about camping, especially fearing being the only minority in what is perceived as a predominantly white space. In response, I authored a blog post for Ontario Parks in 2022, addressing the issue and promoting inclusivity in outdoor recreation.

The feedback was overwhelming, with many expressing a similar experience and sharing with me community groups that are taking steps to change the narrative. After sharing my article in the Black Moms Connection group and the number of people sharing their stories, I decided to write and update because I  want the next generation of parents raising kids to help remove this stigma. 

A 2021 report from Nature Canada shows non-white ethnocultural populations have lower rates of participation in sports and recreational activities. The report suggests that these lower participation rates among racialized populations stem from various barriers, including physical, economic, cultural, and linguistic factors.

The good news is that despite these challenges, numerous community resources are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation. Organizations like the Outdoor Project (ODP), Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW), and Colour the Trails actively work to provide safe and inclusive outdoor experiences for BIPOC individuals. These initiatives aim to dismantle stereotypes and barriers while fostering a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces.

The Outdoor Project (ODP) is an initiative by Women of Color Remake Wellness, with the aim of fostering connections and providing safe and inclusive outdoor experiences for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community, particularly women.

Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW) is committed to changing the narratives assigned to the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) community and our place in outdoor adventure and recreation. As an organization, they are focused on moving the conversation away from what we do not do but work instead to provide tangible solutions to diversifying outdoor recreation.

Colour the Trails is a national Black woman-owned business focused on improving access to outdoor activities for BIPoC (including those who lay within the intersection of BIPoC and 2SLGBTQAI+ community) adventurers. Through their programming and initiatives, they aim to build awareness, dismantle barriers and create accessible opportunities for participation in outdoor recreation.

I do not want my kids growing up hearing the same stereotypes I did.  I'm thrilled to share these resources available to help get more BIPOC parents and kids outdoors. By challenging stereotypes and embracing inclusivity, we can all enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. 

Cheers to getting outdoors!